NHL Rumors: Penguins Linked To Ducks Forward

According to David Pagnotta, the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell.

At this point of the season, the Penguins have a 32-14-8 record and are second in the Metropolitan Division. With this, they are expected to be buyers at the deadline. They could use another scoring threat in their lineup and Rakell would provide them with just that.

In 44 games this season, Rakell has 14 goals and 11 assists. He's been heating up as of late, however, as he has six goals and one assist over his last eight games. This is more in line with his production from previous years, so it certainly helps raise his trade value. With the 28-year-old being a pending unrestricted free agent and the Ducks starting to drop in the standings, there's a good chance he will be moved.

The Penguins won't be the only team in on Rakell. He produces very solid secondary scoring and also is capable of playing all three forward positions if needed. Furthermore, he carries a $3,789,444 cap hit, so he is affordable, too.

It will be interesting to see if the Penguins end up winning the Rakell sweepstakes from here.